New croquet club revitalises former bowling green

A former bowls lawn has been given a new lease of life and become the home of a newly-launched croquet club.

Stroud Croquet Club has opened at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, in Gloucestershire, on the lawn previously used by Stroud Bowls Club.

The bowls club had been based there for more than 80 years before closing last summer amid falling membership and financial pressures.

Now the green has been transformed for croquet with the new club already being embraced by people of all ages.

"I always thought it was for old people, but it's not. It can be for anyone," said 14-year-old Emily, who has recently started playing croquet with her grandad Ray.

"I really love it," said Ray, who began playing when he retired.

"Being outside, it's exercise, it's using your brain, meeting people and having a good laugh sometimes."

Combining skill, strategy and social interaction, croquet is versatile enough for both competitive and casual games.

"It's very tactical and very skilful. It's enjoyable from the word go," said Caroline Denny, chair of Stroud Croquet Club.

"It's for all ages. The world champion is 18. The European Champion is 20. There's no advantage, male or female, or age."

She added the low-impact sport can help improve mental health and wellbeing.

Sophie, 15, and her dad Daniel, are among the latest recruits to give croquet a try.

"I wasn't too sure of it first of all, but I've actually had a really good time playing it because it's quite relaxing," said Sophie.

Daniel said: "It's lovely to be out enjoying each other's company and having a bit of competitive sport thrown in – even if I am getting beat by my daughter."

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